Recently I have been providing onsite consulting services to firms interested in improving and enhancing – or even just starting – their own in-house product photography studios and capabilities. I thoroughly enjoy these opportunities to show companies how they can improve the online appearance of their product lines by not only recommending the right equipment but offering the right training for their staff to shoot exceptional product imagery, from capture to edit to posting. If your firm would like to break away from stock images or lackluster photographs of your products I can help! Additional information @ http://jimcrotty.zenfolio.com/consulting-services. I’d be happy to provide a free estimate over the phone or via email.

When completing photographic assignments for a client’s marketing and web site, I strive to capture the light and setting that is best suited for the particular product or service being advertised. To do so requires more than just technical skill. It requires an understanding and appreciation of the client’s clientele and their customer service goals. This was my goal while photographing the newest additions to the accommodations at The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills, Ohio last week, the “yurts.” These structures are a beautiful and unique combination of both framed tent with all the comforts of a completely furnished cabin.

With this particular assignment I wanted to convey the atmosphere of the “glamping” experience – glamorous camping – but including in the imagery both the comforts of the yurts and the intimate connection to the natural surroundings. With The Inn being a client of my photography services since 2003, as well as the location for both my autumn and spring nature photography workshops, I was very familiar with the “guest experience” goals of such a special retreat location in this beautiful area of Ohio. Another goal of the assignment was to capture the natural light of the setting of the yurts throughout the progression of the day, from morning to afternoon to dusk to evening.

In today‘s world of so much of a company’s products and services being visually communicated via the web and social media it’s vital to invest in photography that will do just that – convey the essence of the experience through professional imagery that both reflects the uniqueness of what is offered and a commitment to the customer who will likely return. again and again.

I’ve always been more of the introverted, shy type. That’s a big reason why I became so involved with photography and nature at a very early age. I’ve never was known as gregarious and outgoing, preferring instead more “quiet” pursuits. The benefit is that I have an insight to my subject matter and a passion for the art of image making that provides just as much excitement today, at age 47, as it did when I was wandering the woods at age 12 with a Pentax Spotmatic F 35mm camera and a couple rolls of Kodak Tri-X film.

The downfall is that I didn’t develop what I would call “aggressive selling skills.” At least not initially. This is a big reason why most fine art photographers – nature, landscapes, wildlife – are rarely comfortable in the fine art of self-promotion. They put themselves through a bit of a beat-down and withdraw from what may appear to others as self-inflating behavior and bragging. But the truth of the matter is, in this age of the digital, independent artisan, there is still the need to compete in the open market. The photographic artist adapts, overcomes and pushes onward with the realization that half the process of selling art – whether it be prints, services or instruction – is the selling of self.

Human beings are visual and so much is determined within those few seconds of the first impression. With professional photography they want to see the photographer behind the photographs. They want to see the face of who will be teaching the photography workshop. They want to know more about who will be photographing their portrait. Although we go to great lengths to pretend that we don’t judge by appearances the cold, hard fact is that we do, all the time, whether it be through online connections at home or when out and about in our workplaces and neighborhoods.

Case in point – what page on a photographer’s web site or blog is visited the most following the home page and gallery of images ? The “about” or “bio” page. Always. We’re naturally nosy and we want to see the face behind the work.

Recently I had a profile article published in a local tourism magazine here on Hilton Head Island (note – print version included more images). They published almost all of the sample images from my portfolio that I sent to them except one – my own head shot. Even though it was well-written and the sample images looked impressive, the number one response I received from those who saw the article was “where was your picture?” When I kept hearing that question and comment it finally solidified what I had long suspected about how people react to my marketing efforts – for prints, workshops and commercial photography services. A well captured and presented self-portrait can make a big difference.

So, rather than react negatively I saw the omission as an opportunity to reconsider the appearance of the quarter page ad that I had been running in that same publication. I made some adjustments and decided yes, time to stick my neck out and be a bit more “aggressive.” Below is the result –

And then I thought “well, while I’m at it might as well update my Twitter background too –

The photographs. The photographer. What at first looks like a mistake becomes an opportunity – to learn, adapt and move forward. The age of digital is almost entirely visual-based. Welcome to the new “social hour” of business networking and self-promotion. Does this make me look “conceited, self-centered ?” No. For one thing I never considered myself exactly model material (although losing 50+ lbs in 2009 made me more comfortable with my self-portraits). The reality is that in order to successfully market online – whether static site, blog or social media – some confidence is required to “put yourself out there.” This is my work. This is me. I’m happy with my work. I’m happy with me. Sure there’s always going to be a negative judgement or two from the peanut gallery but nine out ten impressions are going to be positive. Those positive impressions may not result in an immediate sale of a print or workshop registration, but if people like what they initially see, they return.

And here’s more good news for professional photographers. The power of a well-captured and presented head shot extends far beyond the online marketing of photographs and photography services. It applies to just about everyone else presenting a business, profession or art online as well. The camera phone capture may be okay for Facebook but . . . there’s just something about a professionally photographed portrait.

Two things I’ve learned when it comes to assignments for food photography – 1) photographs best immediately out of the kitchen, and 2) can be challenging when the stomach is empty, which for me is pretty much all the time. That’s a little secret about Weight Watchers. You never finish. To make it work you have to stay on it, and on and on.

Last week I had the opportunity to photograph the very tasty and healthy offerings of Delisheee Yo Original Tart Frozen Yogurt and Superfood Snack Shop, my neighbor next door here at my studio/gallery location on Hilton Head. All-organic ingredients, Chef Catherine performs her culinary magic proving over and over again that healthy and natural can be just as good tasting (I argue more so) than anything fried, loaded with butter and packed with way too many fat grams and calories. I very much appreciate the opportunity to capture photographically the delectable goodness that is Delisheee Yo.

UPDATE 12-23-10: The January 15 workshop is currently full, however, those interested can be added to my waiting list. Also, I will be repeating this workshop at least twice this spring, most likely Saturdays in April and May.

I’m happy to announce the addition of a second photography workshop for January 2011. On Saturday, January 15th, I will be presenting a five hour introductory program on the basics of digital photography and the DSLR camera, at Cox Arboretum MetroPark.

This is an introductory level photography workshop for anyone who has just bought their first DSLR camera. Basic settings and features for more creative control that goes beyond “auto” mode and the limits of point-n-shoot digital cameras. Classroom instruction with field demonstrations, both outside and inside, at Cox Arboretum. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Also, the most recent issue of Housetrends Magazine includes a feature spread titled “Old Fashioned Colonial Christmas.” This was an editorial assignment that was a joy to photograph. Beautiful home in Washington Township (near Dayton) that was full of decorative details that conveyed the warmth and character of Christmas past.

I’m registered to attend the SummitUp event in Dayton, next Tuesday. Quite a line-up of interesting speakers. Lots of marketing and PR-types from throughout Ohio will be attending. So what does it have to do with photography ? Well, if you’re a photographer who has any desire to make a name for yourself and sell your work and services, SummitUp could very well be a treasure trove of pertinent information, as well as contacts, on the realities of marketing and branding for the independent professional in the 21st century. Three words: social media marketing.

But do all the available channels – Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, WordPress, Blogger, etc., etc. – fall conveniently under this catch-all description ? It will be interesting to listen to what the industry experts have to say on what works best when it comes to producing measurable results (actual sales $$$) versus pulling all of us backwards to those painfully insecure days of adolescent popularity contests.

I’m cool with Twitter, okay with LinkedIn but I definitely have a “love/hate/but more toward hate” relationship with Facebook. There’s something inherent to the basic platform and origins of Facebook that is well . . . let’s just say high school. What I do love about Facebook, however, has been the results obtained through the use of their ad program.

I’m a photographer. I’m an observer, not only of what is often overlooked but also patterns and behaviors, in all aspects of life. And the patterns of online behavior observed on these various social media channels is fascinating.

Photography is my profession; my business. I look for results (actual sales $$$). Commercial assignments, portrait sessions, fine art print sales, photography workshops and image licensing. Sure, I have an ego and there are times that I slip too far into the touchy/feely – the nebulous elixir of the artsy-fartsy emphasis on collaboration and everyone feeling good about themselves. That’s nice for social get-togethers at the local gallery, but then the cold, hard reality of cash flow comes calling, again and again.

Which gets back to why I prefer Twitter and why recently I’ve made some changes to my approach toward marketing my work and services via social media marketing. In short, I’m much more comfortable at driving content initially through my Twitter account – where’s there’s more of a clear boundary between what’s business and what’s personal – and THEN flow it to my Facebook business page. Previously I had made the common mistake of welcoming all sorts of “friend requests” on a Facebook personal account and then pumping-out photography business content at an entry point platform that was initially designed more on social acceptance and popularity.

Granted Facebook has been quick to make changes and adapt, moving away from group pages and more toward what I see as business-friendly “fan” pages.

Mashable recently posted a very good op-ed that begins to define the primary difference between Facebook and Twitter, which reinforces the lesson I’ve learned regarding both networking platforms. I’m looking forward to seeing how this will be discussed at SummitUp 2010 next week.

Photography and social media marketing – both a constant learning process. All in all, a good thing.